October 8, 1996
The morning had been particularly quiet. Harry had woken up Tuesday morning with the intention of prepping his things for the afternoon first years Potion class that he had to teach, followed by completing his homework for his other classes. After dropping Defence because of the useless baboon of a teacher, Harry's schedule was almost relaxing. He was still taking Charms, Transfiguration, Herbology and History of Magic, but there was nothing that was overwhelming him. Snape was keeping him busy enough with his apprenticeship, but not to the point he was sinking. Harry was finding he had enough time to relax, which was something he struggled to do sometimes.
But there were two things that he was doing in his spare time that kept him thinking. Harry was currently trying to help Carlisle and Amelia work their issues out; they had only been caused by the meddling younger Malfoy, and he was determined to make sure the damage was undone.
Keeping an eye on Harvey was the second thing. It didn't surprise Harry when he received a letter from their mum; Lily was concerned about Harvey and asked Harry for his help. She didn't ask Harry to keep an eye on Harvey—not like the last time—instead, Lily asked for his opinion on Ron. It seemed that the adults were linking Harvey's constant trouble with the trouble seeking red-head. Harry had responded to his mother and told her that he believed Ron was looking for attention, and every time, he dragged Harvey into it.
During last year's events, Harry seemed to work out that Ron Weasley had his own issues. The boy seemed determined to prove himself as better brother material for Harvey. Harry saw things and took it to mean that Ron was feeling a little rejected or left out by his own family; something that Harry could understand completely, but Ron's choice instead of talking to his parents or his siblings, was to get attention the only way he could—by causing trouble.
Harry had warned Harvey about Ron, and it seemed that his little brother had come to his own conclusions. But the two boys had been friends for a long time, and sometimes it was hard to see past the friendship.
But Tuesday morning, Harry found himself too distracted by his class prep to focus on either task. He had heard from Snape that Harvey and Ron had both completed their set detentions, and it seemed that they were behaving themselves for the meantime. Harry also hadn't been able to sit Carlisle down and talk; his friend seemed to allude him.
So Harry sat in the Library during his free period and read through the information that covered Sleeping Draughts. It was simple stuff, especially for him, but he wanted to make sure he covered everything. Snape had sat him down after his first lecture and pointed out small details he had skimmed over; to Harry, those details were obvious, but to first years they could make a big difference between a successful potion and a melting cauldron. Since then, Harry had been careful to stress the small details too.
Flipping open the first-year textbook, Harry looked over his old notes. He smirked when he noticed little corrections that he had made, something he had noticed Snape did as well. He turned to the Sleeping Draught potion and paused when the chair across from him was pulled out.
He looked up and smiled as Jenna sat down. She let out a heavy sigh and rested her head on the palm of her hands.
She said, "Harry, why is everything so hard?"
He snorted a laugh. "What exactly is so hard?"
"Amelia and Carlisle. The two of them are giving me a migraine."
"You in the middle of this too?"
"I have become an owl, apparently. Neither of them will sit down and talk, so I walk back and forth delivering messages."
"At least they will talk to you; I've been trying to help Carlisle, but he won't talk to me."
"I think he knows what you will say and doesn't want to hear it."
"Why wouldn't he want to hear that he hasn't done anything wrong and that it was his little shit of a brother along with Amelia's little sister that created all this madness."
Jenna sighed. "I don't think he is so worried about the cause of it all, mainly the effects that followed. Amelia did say that she didn't love him."
"Yeah, I remember." Harry closed the textbook and leant forward on her arms.
"It was all bullshit, of course."
"Yeah, obvious to everyone but Carlisle."
"Amelia's his blind spot."
"And he is hers."
"Exactly."
Rubbing his eyes, Harry wondered if perhaps they could find a way to get the couple into a room. Force them to face one another. It could work or make everything worse. He wasn't sure.
Jenna said, "I think there is perhaps more to this than Amelia is telling me."
"What do you mean?" Harry asked.
"Well, she keeps telling me that Carlisle doesn't think she's good enough; Carlisle is considering other girls; all she does is tell me about what Carlisle wants and doesn't want."
"Which is what Draco told Pansy."
"Yeah, but Amelia is normally a girl of action. She doesn't sit and wallow. Normally by now, Pansy would have got a verbal lashing, and no doubt Draco would have gotten something similar."
"Maybe there is more than just doubts."
Jenna stood up.
"Where are you going?" Harry asked.
"To have a firm word with that little brat."
"Which one?"
Jenna smirked. "Pansy. Maybe I'll go after Draco later."
He hoped that Jenna did have some luck finding out what else was bugging Amelia.
Harry didn't stay much longer in the library. He packed up his stuff and left, heading towards the dungeon's so that he could work on some of the tasks Snape had for him. This year, Snape had decided to start leaving him lists to complete. It could be prep work, potion-making, grading—which was incredibly painful to deal with—and sometimes cleaning. Cleaning was better than marking some idiot fourth years essay, but it still sucked.
He passed the Potion's classroom and could hear Snape's voice echo as he shouted at a student. Harry could only imagine what student was currently shitting themselves. Inside of Snape's lab, as he suspected, was a list for him. Beside the list was a stack of papers labelled 'first years – reports – Black'. Two weeks ago, Harry had assigned the first years to write 1.5 foot of parchment on their choice of potion that we had discussed so far. It seemed that Snape had collected the parchments during their last class, and now Harry had some of his own marking to do.
The marking was the most important, so Harry grabbed a stool, took off his cloak and rolled up his sleeves. For the rest of his morning period, Harry marked the first-years work. He was pleased to see a variety of different potions had been chosen and only had around four students whose work made him want to pull his hair out. When he was done, he placed the graded parchment on Snape's desk so that he could check them before the marks were officially given to the first years.
Snape entered the room looking frustrated and muttering under his breath. He didn't acknowledge Harry, who was counting his clockwise stirs of the large batch of the Pepper-Up potion he was brewing for the infirmary. Instead, he strode over to his desk, slammed a stack of parchment down and huffed. Harry would have snickered out a laugh if he wasn't worried about Snape biting his head off. He left the Potion's Professor to grumble and finished his work.
Harry waved his wand over the completed Pepper-Up potion batch, and it started to fill the necessary vials.
Snape turned in his seat and said, "If it wouldn't get me sent to Askaban, I would melt that prancing toad."
Harry smirked. "What advice did Lockhart decide to grace you with today?"
Snape said, "He thought he would be able to offer me some assistance and help me improve my brewing." The hiss on Snape's words would have chilled anyone to the bone. "That blonde-headed twit doesn't know the difference between simmering and boiling."
"It's obvious to most that the daft fool is a fraud; what I don't understand is Dumbledore's choice to hire him as a teacher. It's absurd," said Harry.
Snape tapped his finger on his desk. "Dumbledore has his reasons; he just doesn't like to share them."
Harry scoffed. "If his reasoning is insanity, it perhaps makes sense. After his decisions from last year, I wouldn't put it past the fool to make another idiotic choice. Where the harm in putting a few students in danger?"
Snape stood and crossed the room. "Last year was unfortunate, I agree. It could have easily been prevented. However, the choice of Lockhart has to be related to something else."
"Whatever it is, I want nothing to do with whatever Dumbledore is up to."
"You mean that you have decided to keep your nose out of it this year?" asked Snape, his tone mocking and yet somewhat teasing.
"I had every intention of staying out of it last year as well. It was Quirrell who kidnapped me and forced me to go with him. And if that bloody redhead had just left my brother alone, it would have worked out fine."
Snape smirked. "So sure of that, are you?"
Harry returned the look with his own smirk. "Sounds like you're defending a Weasley, Professor. Are you feeling alright?"
"Shut it, brat."
Once the potion mess had been cleaned up, it was almost time for the first years to arrive. Harry followed Snape into the classroom and stopped at the front. He turned to the Potion's Professor and said, "Professor, Dumbledore would step in before things get too crazy with Lockhart, won't he?"
Snape seemed to consider Harry's words, then said, "I wished I could say he would, but that man has his own reasons for everything."
The laughter of students caught their ears as the first years arrived outside of the Potion's classroom.
Snape waved his wand, and the room changed its set up to a lecture layout before he walked over to the door. He ripped it open in his dramatic fashion and sneered at the students outside. "In," he snapped.
The students filed in, all of them quickly sitting and pulling out their parchment and quills. Harry stood at the front and ran through attendance, all with Snape watching from the back.
The Potter house had been quiet since Harry and Harvey had returned to Hogwarts. September 1st had been a very emotionally traumatic day when for a few hours Lily and James were both terrified as they wondered what had happened to Harvey. The relief and the anger they had both felt towards their son for the stupidity of his actions came and went, especially for James, as he soon realised he had done much worse at Hogwarts. He could remember how he would have reacted if one of his friends or he had pulled off a stunt like that, they would have all cheered.
Lily had been the one who wrote to Harvey and gave him a scolding; she hadn't gone as far as they knew Molly Weasley had gone—Ronald would be scared to step out of line anytime soon. But Lily had also written to Harry, concerned about Harvey and the constant trouble that seemed to happen around him. Harry had explained to Lily, James and Sirius about his belief that Ronald was the cause for most of the trouble, but Lily hadn't wanted to believe it.
Harvey and Ronald had been best friends all their lives; why would Ronald push Harvey continuously into dangerous situations. It didn't sit right with her, but she hoped that all of the boys would just use some common sense and stay out of trouble and away from anything…dangerous.
But life went on; with regular updates from both boys, Lily tried to get prepared for the arrival of the newest Potter. Lily was thrilled that she was having a girl, someone to help balance out the numbers, as Lily was feeling a little surrounded by men in her life. But she also had some big concerns. Her fears surrounded her past mistakes and the worry that she would repeat them. Lily has been so determined to make up her mistakes to Harry, and now she was in a situation where she could screw it up again.
James had been trying to reassure her that everything would be fine, but Lily wasn't even certain that everything was okay between her and Harry. The relationship they shared was better, but it was still strained. Harry had accepted James' apology on the outside, but Lily felt that he had done that more for her than himself. James seemed oblivious but was still trying his best; he had even already made suggestions for the whole family Christmas to be at White Oak Manor so that Harry would feel more comfortable. But then Lily also hadn't heard much from either of the boys since they had returned to school.
Harry had only sent one letter in response to Lily's initial letter about Harvey. Harvey had sent a few, but it seemed they were both occupied.
There wasn't much that Lily could do, so she tried to stay focused on what she could control, like baby appointments. She had another check-up due, and James had been called into work at the last moment. He had left rather quickly after receiving an owl during breakfast; his toast and coffee had been left half-finished, and he disappeared with a kiss and a pop.
Lily spent her morning cleaning before getting ready for her midday appointment. She made sure to dress for the cool weather they were having and had picked up her handbag, ready to apparate when there was a knock on the front door. To her surprise, Remus was standing outside.
She smiled widely and said, "What a nice surprise."
Remus returned her grin. "I was sent by your husband, with apologies and love."
Lily chuckled. "He sent you to take me to my appointment?"
Remus nodded. "I had nothing to do, and it seemed like a great way to spend my afternoon."
"What, following around a pregnant woman as she is poked and prodded by med-witches?" asked Lily.
"Exactly. Besides, I thought you would like the company."
Lily nodded. She did appreciate it.
They ended up apparating together, Remus leading and landing them just down the road. The sun was shining in London as they started their walk down the street. Their arms linked together, they moved along with the Muggles that were rushing about. Lily always found herself wondering what her life would have been like if she had never been born with magic, she would have been as clueless to the wonders of the wizarding world as every other Muggle they passed.
St. Mungons was a concealed hospital within a condemned department store called Purge and Dowse Ltd. It had once been the place that Lily thought she would end up working; becoming a healer had always seemed like a rewarding career. Instead, she found herself as a full-time mum.
As they stepped inside, they were greeted by the hustle and bustle of a hospital. A mix of healers, patients and guests were flooded about. Lily led Remus towards the elevator that they would take up to the sixth floor, which was the maternity ward. A few others joined them inside the elevator, and they were the last two people left when they reached the top.
Sitting behind a counter in a soft green uniform was a blonde witch with white-framed glasses. She smiled at them brightly as they approached. "How can I help?"
Lily returned her smile. "I have my 23-week check-up. Lily Potter."
The woman nodded and glanced down. "Yep, here you are. Go ahead and take a seat; Healer Kensington shouldn't be too long."
"Thank you," said Lily.
They took a seat by the window.
"How have you been feeling, by the way?" asked Remus.
Lily shrugged. "Pregnant. I feel bigger every day."
They both chuckled.
"Have you been writing to Harry?" he asked.
"I have once, but that was about the trouble from the day they left."
"Yes, that was eventful."
Lily couldn't argue with that. It had been horrifying when Arthur and Molly arrived with their children, but Harvey and Ron nowhere to be seen. "I still can't believe they took Arthur's car," she said.
Remus asked, "Did Harvey tell you that apparently, they couldn't get through the barrier?"
"Yeah, Minerva did mention it. I don't understand what happened to it though, we all got out just fine."
"It was certainly a way to start a year."
"Not a way I would have chosen."
There had been a hope that this year would be different from the last. Harvey's first year at Hogwarts had been far from ideal; Harry had never dealt with such insanity at Hogwarts. His years had been normal.
"And Harry, how have things been with him?" asked Remus.
"Good, I think." Lily was never confident with how things were going; she was always hoping.
"You think?"
Lily sighed. "It might seem stupid, but I feel like I have no idea what I'm doing."
"I think Sirius feels the same."
"Yeah, but Harry doesn't see the relationship he shares with Sirius the same as the one we share."
Remus asked, "Do sons ever feel the same way about their fathers as they do their mothers?"
Lily rebutted, "Do those children ever have a mother who doesn't put them first?"
"Many children do, yes. But some children have mothers who at least try, and that makes a big difference."
Lily hoped that was true.
"Lily Potter?"
They turned to see a woman in her late thirties standing there in a familiar green uniform. Lily smiled at the woman. "Healer Kensington, it's good to see you again."
"You are looking great, and who is with you today?" Kensington asked.
"I'm Remus, a friend." Remus shook hands with Kensington before they followed her back to the examination room.
Harvey was heading back towards the Great Hall to find Ron and Hermione. He was meeting them for dinner before they planned to do some study—at Hermione's insistence and Ron's protest—and he had meant to be there sooner. Harvey had the uncanny ability to be constantly stopped by Lockhart; the man was always around and seemed to grab Harvey when he couldn't escape him. For thirty minutes, Harvey had tried to escape to head to Great Hall, but his attempts were foiled at every turn. He only managed his escape when a few older students started fangirling over the galoot, and Lockhart suddenly forgot about Harvey's existence. Harvey had escaped and made it back to the main courtyard before Lockhart could remember anything about him having been there.
As he passed the fountain in the courtyard, he spotted a head of red hair huddled over in the corner under one of the archways. Harvey paused and recognised the huddled ball was Ginny. He hadn't seen that much of her since the year began; she had been sorted into Gryffindor like every Weasley before her but only seemed to pop up now and again. One thing Harvey had noticed was that she seemed to like to write in her diary a lot; she carried it with her everywhere.
He watched Ginny for a moment and noticed her shoulders were trembling before a soft sob caught his ears. She was crying. Walking over to her, Harvey asked, "Are you okay, Ginny?"
The youngest Weasley took in a deep breath, sniffing to stop another sob and tried to wipe her wet cheeks. "I'm fine," she mumbled.
Harvey frowned and sat beside her on the arch frame. "I don't believe that. Why are you crying?" he prodded.
Ginny sniffed again. "I have no friends."
Harvey frowned. He didn't understand why that would be the case. She wasn't like Hermione, who struggled to make friends because she was a little pushy about learning. Ginny had always been bubbly and happy, the kind of girl you had a hard time not liking.
"I spent all day by myself; no one ever talks to me."
Harvey shook his head. "Well, I'm your friend."
Ginny rubbed her eyes. "No, you're Ron's friend."
"I can be friends with both of you."
She scoffed.
"Ginny, you are my best friend's sister; that by default makes you my friend," said Harvey.
"Really?" she asked.
Harvey nodded. "If you are ever lonely or want someone to talk to, come find me. I'm sure you could also go talk to Hermione; she had the same issues last year. She'd understand how you feel."
Ginny seemed to take in his words. She said, "Okay, thank you."
Harvey offered her his wide smile. "No problem. You coming to dinner? You can sit with me."
Ginny nodded. She stood up, and the two of them started to walk towards the Great Hall, but she stopped.
"What's wrong?" asked Harvey.
"My dairy, I forgot it." She ran back over to the archway and picked up a familiar black book.
Harvey asked, "Is that the one Malfoy dropped in Diagon Alley?"
She nodded. "Yeah, I needed a new diary, and it was just sitting on my shelf."
"Make sure he doesn't recognise it; he'll cause all sort of drama cause of how much of a prat he is."
Ginny nodded. "Right." She slipped the diary into her pocket, and they walked into the Great Hall.
